Cedar shavings

[Chaos18]

Is there any scientific evidence that cedar shavings are bad for chickens if used in a properly ventilated coop?

 

[cavemanrich]

I'm not a SCIENTIST, and I do not play one on TV,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but my understanding about CEDAR CHIPS,,,,,,,, is ,,,,,,, the aromatic odor, that insects do not like/////// are supposed to be bad for chicken's breathing.
This does not seem likely based on an old wives tale.
You can conduct an experiment and see if your chickens fare well
Your chickens may not be dropping deceased in short term, but may not live to their full potential. I could make a comparison to people and substance abuse, but I don't think it is necessary.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[gtaus]

Yeah, one of those topics that you can find answers both for and against cedar chips. A google search will provide you with lots of articles both for using cedar chips and not using cedar chips. I once read an article that stated not using cedar chips was based on a study done on other animals and then applied to chickens. So, not a real study for using cedar chips with chickens and the effects it may, or may not have on the chicks.

Most of the negative comments are based around the aroma of the cedar chips being unhealthy for the chicks to breath. But in a well ventilated coop, that might not be too much of a concern. Other articles state the cedar chips have an oil that is not good for the chicks to get on their feet. Don't know much about that, either.

This past year I used fresh wood chips I made from fallen branches in the yard and chipped them up in my little electric chipper. The wood smelled real good to me and I used only wood chips for the 8 weeks I had the chicks in the brooder. But I don't have cedar in my yard. I also have pine shavings in a big bag and that works well for me in my nest boxes.

My local farm stores only carry pine shavings for bedding, so cedar chips are not even an option where I live. But, yeah, most people advise against using cedar chips even though I'm not aware of any scientific study on the subject. Will be reading this thread to see if anyone can provide a link to a good unbiased study on the subject.

 

[Chaos18]

Yeah all I've gotten is old wives tales and opinions going both ways but no science. We need a science nerd or two like @casportpony or @duluthralphie.

 

[Folly's place]

So, cedar shavings are sold at pet stores for rodent bedding, and it's bad for them, often causing skin irritation, at least.
Cedar is also more expensive than pine shavings, or whatever, so there's no good reason to use them, at least not exclusively. Chickens do have delicate respiratory systems, and cedar is very aromatic, so not the best.
Most/ all research concerning chickens is related to commercial flocks, where cost really does matter, so there would be no incentive to try cedar as a bedding. You could do a google search, and see if anything turns up.
Mary

 

[duluthralphie]

Yeah all I've gotten is old wives tales and opinions going both ways but no science. We need a science nerd or two like @casportpony or @duluthralphie.

I think the reason you don’t use cedar shavings is cause if the chicken eats them.. the eggs taste like a gimlet.

 

[TwoCrows]

I don't know if it's an old wives tale or not. I do know that the bagged cedar sold in stores for small pets is quite strong and starts to get to me after a while. So I would imagine as delicate as poultry lungs are, this strong smelling cedar might effect them over time.

I have used Western Cedar (not to be confused with Eastern Cedar which is quite aromatic) as coop litter for years with no problems. I get it from a local tree nursery. Western cedar has only a very mild smell that airs off very quickly once it hits the air. I will admit my coop is very well ventilated, but I have never ever had respiratory issues with my flock. It's a wonderful bedding to use and there is no turning back to other beddings for me.

 

[duluthralphie]

I don't know if it's an old wives tale or not. I do know that the bagged cedar sold in stores for small pets is quite strong and starts to get to me after a while. So I would imagine as delicate as poultry lungs are, this strong smelling cedar might effect them over time.

I have used Western Cedar (not to be confused with Eastern Cedar which is quite aromatic) as coop litter for years with no problems. I get it from a local tree nursery. Western cedar has only a very mild smell that airs off very quickly once it hits the air. I will admit my coop is very well ventilated, but I have never ever had respiratory issues with my flock. It's a wonderful bedding to use and there is no turning back to other beddings for me.

I have heard the same...but it could be wives tale..as I am gullible and lied too a lot...

At the price of pine shavings around here I just change mine a lot...but I prefer straw in nest boxes because wet eggs can stick some to dusty shavings...

And see I never said one bad thing about dux.....but it was tempting...

 

[Folly's place]

Here in Michigan, the only cedar shavings I've seen are the very aromatic variety, so don't use those.
Mary

 

[casportpony]

@Chaos18 will have to see what I can dig up.

and welcome back. I have missed you!